Overview

Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy

Puglia, known for its whitewashed hill towns, traditional farmland, fine
cuisine and sweeping Mediterranean coastline, is Italy’s southern heel and,
until recently, its best kept secret. With a focus on art, architecture,
traditions and local cuisine, this trip explores the region’s highlights.
From Baroque Lecce, known as the ‘Florence of the South’, we travel to
the elegant white city of Ostuni and on to the mediaeval coastal town of
Otranto, where winding narrow streets conceal perfect Baroque churches.
Matera is also visited, a UNESCO listed town carved into bare limestone rock,
where centuries-old caves are still inhabited.

Baroque Lecce and cristal-clear sea in Salento

Stay in authentic 'Trulli' houses in Alberobello

Enjoy a fun cookery class and wine tasting

Visit the unique UNESCO town of Matera

Gallery

Highlights and Inclusions

All breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner/cookery class and 1 wine tasting

All accommodation

London flights (if booking incl. flights)

Airport transfers for group flights

Itinerary

Day
1

Fly to Bari and transfer to Lecce, the Baroque masterpiece of southern Italy
located in the heart of Puglia. Sometimes described as the 'Florence of the
South', the city is a real architectonic gem boasting sumptuous palazzi and
churches.

Day
2

Our week starts with a transfer to pretty Otranto, the easternmost town in
Italy. The day will be spent exploring the town’s mediaeval centre and its
pretty architecture, views, sea-front restaurants and white sandy beaches
which make it one of Puglia's most interesting and picturesque towns. We will
also visit the delightful Romanesque cathedral, dating back to 1088 and
boasting extensive 12th century floor mosaics. After lunch we have the
opportunity to join our tour leader for an optional gentle coastal walk
following the Salento picturesque coves and creeks (approx. 3hrs walking, 8
km). Those who prefer not to take part in this activity may decide to
continue exploring the town at their own pace, or perhaps to relax in one
Otranto’s beaches, famous for the picture-perfect clear water
(seasonal). Late afternoon transfer back to Lecce.
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Day
3

In the morning we enjoy a guided visit of Lecce, arguably one of the best and
most distinctive Baroque cities in Europe. Most of the buildings here are
built in the soft local stone, with pretty decorations and cherubs covering
facades and doorways. During our walking tour we will have time to admire
several architectonic gems, including the top Baroque monument in town: the
extravagant Basilica di Santa Croce, ornamented with strange beasts and
allegories. Lecce is also famous for a centenary tradition of papier-mâché
(chewed paper) and we will have the opportunity to visit a local laboratory
during our tour. Early afternoon we transfer by private minibus to the
charming hilltop town of Ostuni, famous for the dazzling effect of its
whitewashed houses. Before reaching the town we will make a stop in a
traditional masseria and visit the ancient underground oil mill. The
interesting tour will end with an olive oil tasting! Once in Ostuni, there
will be some free time to get lost in the maze of picturesque staircases,
alleys, arches and perhaps enjoy some shopping in the local artisanal
boutiques. Overnight in Ostuni.

Day
4

Today will be spent exploring the beautiful countryside around Ostuni,
walking through ancient olive groves and vineyards overlooking the Adriatic
coast. Along the route we stop for a visit at the archaeological park of S.
M. Agnano, where past excavations have brought to the impressive discovery of
fossils dating back to the Paleolithic. Before returning to Ostuni, there
will be some time to relax and try some local organic produce at a
traditional ‘masseria’, a typical Apullian converted farmhouse located in
a picturesque and tranquil rural setting. Back in Ostuni, we join a fantastic
pasta making class followed by a group dinner in a local trattoria. Overnight
in Ostuni.

Day
5

After breakfast we leave Ostuni and transfer to the Castellana Caves,
Italy’s most important and biggest cave system. Located at the entrance of
the Itria Valley, these caves began to form about 90 million years ago. The
tour will take us to more 60 meters depth and will allow us to explore an
amazing scenario made of stalactites, stalagmites, concretions, incredible
shapes, fossils and canyons. In the afternoon we take another private
transfer to Alberobello, home to the famous Trulli (peculiar conical roofed
houses) that have made its historical centre a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After a stroll in the picture-perfect colourful alleys we visit a local
winery where we enjoy a wine tasting. We spend the next two nights in
traditional converted Trulli houses in the historic centre of the town.

Day
6

We conclude our week with a full day in one the most interesting, distinctive
and memorable tourist destinations in Italy: Matera. Nestled on a hill,
overlooking an impressive canyon in the neighbouring region of Basilicata,
Matera has only recently gained the deserved spotlight. In 1993 the town was
made a UNESCO World Heritage site, for being the most outstanding, intact
example of a troglodyte settlement in the Mediterranean region, all carved in
bare limestone rock. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, we walk
through the town’s famous cave-dwelling districts and learn of the history
of this fascinating place. In the afternoon we have time to discover the city
at our own pace and visit the world-famous rupestrian churches. Overnight in
Matera.